Across the four years of this course, you will develop interdisciplinary skills and knowledge on sustainability, spanning its environmental, societal and economic aspects. In this specialisation, there is a particular focus on science and technology to understand and address climate change and the degradation of our natural environment.

You may choose to become progressively more focused on earth sciences including climate change, environmental biology including conservation and environmental management or aspects of engineering and technology, including transport, waste management and sustainable energy solutions. You will also develop a range of attributes such as critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and ethical competency, which will be transferable to a range of settings.

First Year

First Year is a common experience across the three specialisations. You will take two core modules focusing on sustainability concepts and skills, along with core and option modules from subjects in each specialisation – Environmental Sciences; Social Sciences, Policy and Law; and Business and Economics.

• Introduction to Sustainability
• Sustainability Challenges
• Principles of Scientific Enquiry
• Introductory Chemistry
• Mapping a Sustainable World
• Introduction to Sociology
• Business in Society
• Economics

Second Year:

• Sustainability Research Tools
• Careers & Innovation in Sustainability
• Mathematics
• Chemistry
• Global Environmental Change
• Life on Earth
• Weather, Climate & Climate Change
• GIS for Sustainability

Third Year:

In third year, you will participate in an international field course and have opportunities including an overseas exchange for one trimester and/or a substantial internship.

• Sustainability Field Trip
• Working with Biological Data
• Waste Management
• Systems Ecology
• Forests, Climate & Carbon
• Geoscience for Sustainability
• Environmental Law & Policy
• Economics of the Environment

Fourth Year:

• Internship in Sustainability
• Sustainability Research Project
• Global Change Ecology
• Environmental Assessment
• Energy Systems & Climate Change
• Life Cycle Assessment
• The Urban Environment

Throughout each academic year, you will be assessed through a range of continuous assessments such as essays, projects, presentations and creative outputs, terminal examinations, practical classes and fieldwork.

For detailed information on subject content click here

There will be opportunities to apply for exchange programmes and an international field trip is a core component of the third year experience. Students will also have the opportunity to research and apply for international internships with relevant industries and employers. Placements are secured through a competitive process.

An interdisciplinary education in sustainability theory, policy and practise will equip you to work in areas such as renewables, clean technology management and energy efficiency, or advise industries on social and environmental strategies.

Many opportunities also exist in international organisations such as the UN, the European Environment Agency and the European Commission, government departments and state agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Parks and Wildlife Service and in local authorities and Non-Governmental Organisations.

• A-Level/GCSE
• Other EU Applicants
• Non-EU Applicants
• QQI FET Entry Routes
  
• Mature Entry Route
• HEAR
• DARE

Professor Tasman Crowe, Programme Co-Director,
Kirsten Southard, Programme Manager
UCD School of Biology & Environmental Science,
Belfield, Dublin 4

Tel: +353 1 716 2389
Email: sustainabilty@ucd.ie